Abstract
The Working Group on HepB concluded that addition of HepB BD to Uganda’s EPI will enable Uganda to achieve WHO Elimination much earlier than when using the current HepB3 schedule alone hence made the following recommendations:
- MOH/UNEPI should introduce Hepatitis B BD into the routine immunisation program using monovalent Hep B vaccine through a universal vaccination strategy targeting all newborn infants regardless of their mother’s sero status, as soon as possible after birth, preferably within the first 24 hours. Failing that, the Hep B BD should be administered at the earliest contact between the infant with a health care provider;
- MOH should make efforts to promote mothers delivering within health facilities to facilitate BD administration within the first 24 hours after birth.
- Administration of the monovalent HBV vaccine should be followed by HBV vaccination as part of a pentavalent combination vaccine (HBV/DKTP) at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age.
- A single dose of HBIG may be co-administered with Hep B BD to infants of highly viremic mothers only.
- MoH should make efforts to increase antenatal attendance and screening of Mothers for Hep B. Those having an HBV DNA level higher than 2 × 10^5 IU/mL should be treated immediately with antiretroviral therapy to save the additional cost that comes with administration of the HBIG.
- The monovalent hepatitis B vaccine can be given with oral polio vaccine (OPV) and BCG at birth leveraging on the existing vaccination structures and opportunities.
- Although the birth dose is acceptable among pregnant women, MoH needs to continuously engage them as key stakeholders during planning to address concerns, in order to raise confidence, maximize uptake and strengthen HBV eradication efforts.
- Recommendation
- Africa
- Uganda
- Hepatitis B
